Social Anxiety
Mental Health Care in Wilmington, DE
Occasional nervousness in social situations is common, but severe social anxiety can make daily interactions feel overwhelming. Vida Adansi, LCP, Adekunle Gbadamosi, MD, and the team at Integrated Health & Wellness Services in Wilmington, Delaware, can help you understand your fears and available treatment options. Call the office today or request your appointment online to take an important first step toward getting support for social anxiety.
Social Anxiety FAQ's
What is social anxiety disorder, and how can it affect daily life?
Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) can make you feel intense anxiety when you face:
- Meeting new people
- Speaking in public
- Eating around others
- Attending gatherings
- Participating in work or school activities
It’s tempting to avoid situations that feel threatening. However, avoiding social activities may interfere with your relationships, education, employment, and other important areas of life. You may also experience loneliness or reduced confidence if you limit opportunities for connection.
What are the common signs and symptoms of social anxiety?
Social anxiety can produce emotional, physical, and behavioral symptoms. Common emotional symptoms include:
- Intense worry about being judged
- Fear of embarrassment
- Anxiety before or after social interactions
- A strong urge to escape or avoid uncomfortable situations
- Physical symptoms may include:
- Blushing
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Rapid heartbeat
- Nausea
- Muscle tension
- Dizziness
- Difficulty speaking
- Behavioral signs can include:
- Avoiding social events
- Declining invitations
- Limiting conversations
- Avoiding eye contact
- Relying on safety behaviors to feel more comfortable
Your severity and combination of symptoms will likely differ from someone else’s, so your Integrated Health & Wellness Services provider carefully tailors your treatment to address your unique needs.
When should I look into treatment for social anxiety?
Talk to your provider if social anxiety consistently interferes with your:
- Relationships
- Work
- School
- Daily activities
- Quality of life
You may also benefit from treatment if fear of social situations causes significant distress or leads you to avoid activities that are important to you.
Your provider can assess your symptoms and determine whether social anxiety disorder or another concern may be contributing to what you are experiencing.
What treatments can help with social anxiety disorder?
Your provider may recommend:
Therapy
Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help you recognize unhelpful thought patterns and develop healthier responses to feared situations. Exposure-based techniques can break social situations into steps and build your confidence.
Medication
In some cases, your provider may recommend medication as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Lifestyle changes and coping mechanisms
Treatment can also include relaxation techniques and strategies for managing your anxious thoughts.
With personalized care and consistent support, you can manage social anxiety and participate more comfortably in the relationships and activities that matter to you. For personalized care, call Integrated Health & Wellness Services or request a consultation online today.